adjective
carnal
KAHR-nuhl
Carnal (adjective) means relating to physical or sexual desires and pleasures rather than the mind or spirit. Example: “The novel explores carnal desire alongside deeper emotional themes.”
adjective
1
Relating to physical or sexual desires and pleasures rather than the mind or spirit.
"The novel explores carnal desire alongside deeper emotional themes."
"They shared a purely carnal relationship with no emotional attachment."
2
Relating to the body rather than the spirit; worldly rather than spiritual.
"The sermon warned against carnal pleasures that distract from faith."
How to use carnal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do with the body and its physical appetites, especially sex, as opposed to the mind or soul.
When to use it
Fairly formal or literary; in everyday speech people usually just say "physical" or "sexual."
Common pairings
carnal desire
carnal knowledge
carnal pleasures
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more carnal
- Superlative
- most carnal
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The novel explores _____ desire alongside deeper emotional themes.
Etymology
From Latin carnalis, "of the flesh," from caro/carnis ("flesh, meat") — the same root behind "carnivore" and "carnation."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of carnal?
"carnal" (adjective) means relating to physical or sexual desires and pleasures rather than the mind or spirit.
What is another word for carnal?
Other words for "carnal" include fleshly, sensual, animal.
What is the opposite of carnal?
The opposite of "carnal" is spiritual.
What are the different meanings of carnal?
"carnal" has 2 main meanings: 1. Relating to physical or sexual desires and pleasures rather than the mind or spirit; 2. Relating to the body rather than the spirit; worldly rather than spiritual.
